Bike Opinions

[Skinny]

Hey All,

I wanted to ask everyone's opinion about their favorite bike. Ok, so I might open up the flood gates with this one but I'm looking to pick up a bike within the next month or so and I'd like to get your thoughts.

I've owned two Ninja's (a '00 250cc...my first bike ever, and a '99 600cc) and a '96 Katana (never again). I'm considering stepping up into the 900cc class bikes and looking at the '97-ish CBR 900RR's.

Either that or possibly another 600cc class bike (F3, F4i, Ninja, FZR, R6, etc.). Any opinions on either what to get or what to stay away from? I'm not looking to race the thing, I'll be using it daily so I need comfort but I still want to be able to hit the canyons hard and fast. Any opinions, thoughts, rants, raves, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks a ton!!
Skinny

[v8zman]

i wouldnt ride anything but a gsxr

[Kadbugg]

Uh oh....what have you started?

[Fade]

Hehe..yes you are likely to have opened a flood gate here. As I have only rridden a Ninja 500, I don't have much to say, but I would say, go out there, test what you can, sit on them all, then weigh your options. Look for:
-Fit of bike (since you want commuter comfort)
-Known reliability for the type of riding you want
-Good overall bike that will fit both your street riding and commuting desires
-Price (unfortuantely always a factor)
-Year of bike. The older 600's are a far cry different from the newer 600's, so you might be surprised how much you like the newer 600's and how they handle.

[ash]

i've got an '01 R6. i love it, but my next bike will probably be a 1000. a buddy of mine has an '05 ZX-10 and it's freakin bad.

if you're gonna get an R6, go for a 2002 or newer. they are injected. my '01 is carbed and it's a pain in the @$$ to start when it's cold.

[Flyte Risk]

Compared to a modern 600 a 97 CBR 900 is a step down in both power and handleing. It'll have a touch more torque but thats it.

Being brutally honest here I have to say that if yor only "considering" stepping up to something in or near the liter class your probably going to be better suited to a 03 and up 600. I wouldn't even consider anything that has been completely fazed out like the FZR. If your going to purchase a used bike from a dealer make sure you dinner and a kiss 'cause your gonna get ****ed for sure. (and no, I don't care what internet message board he belongs to he's still going to bone you like your his ex-wifes hottie sister)

That said, what are your priorities and what is the main purpose of the bike going to be?

Ergonomics: The YZF600R and the ZZR600 are known for thier comfort, anything with RR in the model isn't.
Agility? The R6 and GSXR are class leaders on the track. I'd venture to say that most of the street riding public aren't good enough to use even the agility of a 250 Nija
Wheelies at 70 mph? Buy Kris's R1
Two-up touring? see above
Commuting? two fiddy ninja
Beer runs? Goldwing with a sidecar.
To look cool at Starbucks? Buyabusa.
To get chicks? Who cares most don't know the difference
To fit in in down town Portland? Vespa or Schwin
Realiability? Thats mostly a function of prior maintaince. I've see well cared for sportbikes acheive 75K miles in 5 years and poorly kept barely make 15k

Always assume that any bike your looking at has been raced and has been down. (adult owner or rider is an even funnier sales line. The fastest guys I know are in their 40's.)

Anything else?

[Nicegy525]

ZZR-600 = '02 Ninja ZX-6 with bigger brakes. I have one and it is far more capable than I. Very comfortable and have had zero issuesin 22K miles. It was voted "best Bang for the buck" by some bike MAG in 2005. 180 rear tire (yzf600r has 160) and much lighter that the yamaha. Fully adjustable suspension (I havent even begun to explore its possibilities) and relatively inexpensive. Sells new for about $7,200

The ZX-9 looks almost identical to the ZZR but will give you that extra power.

Good luck in your search!

[Skinny]

Well, I appreciate the honesty. I'm always looking for advice and opinions; gotta keep an open mind right?

I'm definately not looking for a track bike. I need some comfort so I've pretty much ruled the gixxer's and the honda & kawi RR's out. I haven't looked at the ZZR600's so I'll look into those.

Good to know about the older cbr 900's. I know the newer 600's have come a long way from what they have been but I didn't know that they can out perform an older 900.

Thanks again for the info!

[Rev. Fatty Bulger]

Flyte Risk had a pretty good breakdown. I guess to summarize it I'd say buy what fits you and gets your motor goin in the sexy looks department. If you've had 600's and wanted more then I'd consider something 1k or shy. That's where I was last year. I had a budget and I asked Eric at EDR if he had my roll what would he look at. First part is about the 954 I actually bought. That's why it's at the top. My budget was about the same as yours.

This is what he sent me...

CBR954. great street bike! VERY reliable, comfy, does nothing wrong. bit spendy for parts and to work on.
1000RR..might be out of price range. or it will be thrashed.

G1k. the 01-02 were ok..keep the miles low or make sure it has NOT been raced. Keep all maintance records. the 03-4's were just a little better all around....big hp..great chassis. lots of aftermarket support..

R1's...stay out of carb'd ones..over 2002 only. The 02 03's are GREAT street bikes...low maintance and great fun. I;d rather have one of these than a G1k.

04+R1's again, great bike but for 5k it will be thrashed.

I'd say find a nice CLEAN low miler 02-3 R1's or 03-4 G1k


And there you have it. Eric knows his shizzle too.

[Gang Green]

i wouldnt ride anything but a gsxr

Blah Blah Blahahahahaaaa! LOL

Let The Good Times Roll Brother.

[Kadbugg]

I say go green!

[Jane Honda]

Lots of great info here. I like how everyone can state their points of view and not bash another one's opinions. Everyone has different tastes, needs, and pocketbooks, and so I think that there is a lot of good general info right here.


You guys rock!:thumbup: :bow:

["b"]

if you going green the new 600r is getting great reviews.

[Kelbor]

Best Bike?
Hahahahaha....thats like asking people what the best food in the world is (and you just asked a cooking network). I chose my ride for a number of reason - which apply to me. Do I wish I had something else? Hell yeah, I wish I had a whole bunch of something elses but I would not trade what I have for anything. Basically what Im saying is there is no such thing as a best bike (or best anything for that matter)....get what your heart desires and you'll be happy. Plain and simple. Course, Jappanese bikes go forever, English bikes have more sytle then they know what to do with, Itallian bikes are moody but baddddasssss and American Bikes, well, they are pigs. Good luck.

[Nicegy525]

if you going green the new 600r is getting great reviews.

:plusone: I wish I had the money. I would buy an '07 ZX-6

[R1RAMJET]

One word "YAMAHA" !
An R6 from '03 on is a real comfy ride and real quick to .

[Nicegy525]

is that what you yell at the climax? :lol:

[Cornholio]

i wouldnt ride anything but a gsxrI would, but it would almost certainly be another model Suzuki if it wasn't a GSXR. I've owned thre of them and I've ridden a lot of other bikes and the Suzuki's just "fit" me better. It's part rider position, part bike personality, etc. Haven't ridden a Honda I liked yet and there's only been a couple Kawi's or Yamahoppers that I felt were good. :idunno:

[mopedmaniac]

Best Bike?
Hahahahaha....thats like asking people what the best food in the world is (and you just asked a cooking network). I chose my ride for a number of reason - which apply to me. Do I wish I had something else? Hell yeah, I wish I had a whole bunch of something elses but I would not trade what I have for anything. Basically what Im saying is there is no such thing as a best bike (or best anything for that matter)....get what your heart desires and you'll be happy. Plain and simple. Course, Jappanese bikes go forever, English bikes have more sytle then they know what to do with, Itallian bikes are moody but baddddasssss and American Bikes, well, they are pigs. Good luck.

Good point. See what fits and ride it!

[liablemtl]

Heh... best bike... that's damn funny!!! :haha:

Well... let the unashamed bike slut take the podium.

I like 'em all. Ok... not really, but I do like a lot of bikes... in fact, I like most bikes... in fact, if it has two wheels and a dino-drinking motor, it's quite likely I'm gonna like it. :rad:

Whenever someone comes up with the ol' "what would your stable look like" post, I always have to cut myself off at 10 bikes, because my list would be 40-50 long.

But, of all the ones I've owned, I have to say, I liked my RD400 the best. Talk about a hooligan bike. It was loud, obnoxious, dripped, smoked, sounded every bit like the 'roided out chainsaw that it is... and it made a lot of sport bike "doodz" look at me like "WTF is that!" :wtf: right before I wheelied off the line in a cloud of blue smoke.

Second on my list is my current ride... the mighty FiZzer is as big a source of entertainment that I've had the pleasure of riding. It's not a total sport bike, so the ergos are comfy. I've had it out for multi-thousand mile rides and it is as comfortable as a bike can be. It's decked out for touring, yet it can rail through the corners with the best of 'em (with someone else at the helm, I should say :laughing: ). The motor is fairly smooth and it feels dandy doin' freewhizzle duty... my old FJ was buzzy... the FZ is 10 times as smooth.

But I still have my list of bikes to cycle through my garage... it's a long list. And not all of them are "high performance"... some of them could pull double duty as a tractor. Again... :wtf:

[lobes]

I wouldn't even consider anything that has been completely fazed out like the FZR.

You are a complete D I C K ! !

But I completly agree with everything else that he said.

[Xusia]

I agree with what everyone else has said. I'd like to add that you might want to consider avoiding carbureted models. Fuel injection offers a number of conveniences and the performance is more easily upgraded (ala Power Commander). The down side is that it can result in some throttle twitchiness.

If you value smoothness, I would also avoid any V-Twins like the RC51, TL1000, SV650, SV1000, etc. Good bikes, just vibrate a lot.

I've owned and ridden almost every kind of bike (except GSX-Rs - strange). My favorite for both comfort and power was my 2001 ZX-9R. The midrange on these is easily increased to mad proportions with little more than a full Muzzy exhaust and a jet kit. They are bit heavy, and therefore just a bit slower on side to side transitions. I used just a bit of brake during such transitions to speed it up a bit. The weight comes in very handy if you like to get on the throttle though because it helps keep the front wheel planted. It will wheelie if you want, and fairly easily. Gets good gas mileage too, and has a large tank so you get awesome range (~180 miles at highway speeds).

My favorite for handling and harder core riding is my current steed, a 2004 ZX-10R. Very sharp, precise, and has crazy mad power with a full exhaust and Power Commander. Be sure you are ready for such a beast - it takes finese to handle safely and isn't for the novice or faint of heart. A steering damper is highly recommended unless you a pro and really know what you are doing (read: Your technique is beyond reproach).

My thoughts on some other models mentioned:

CBR 954 - Awesome bike. Previous review was spot on. A full Akrapovic and PC really brings the motor alive if you ever want more power.

CBR F4i - A good all around steed. Comfortable, capable, and reliable. Unless you are very good and very agressive rider, has all the potential you need.

ZZR600 / 01-02 ZX-6R - Supremely comfy and super quiet. I wasn't sure it was even on! Also very capable, and good handling. Only downside IMO is that it's carbureted. Also, has headlights so bright as to cause sunburns! (ok, not really on that last part, but they are the brightest I've seen along with the same year ZX-9R)

02-03 R1 - Another very good bike. Previous reviews are spot on.

R6 - Very agile, but IMO a little buzzy (uncomfortable) and on some models the motor feels a little anemic. Damn sexy though! Gotta love Yamaha for making the 2nd best looking bike ever (next to the 916, of course!).

[Jane Honda]

I agree with what everyone else has said. I'd like to add that you might want to consider avoiding carbureted models. Fuel injection offers a number of conveniences and the performance is more easily upgraded (ala Power Commander). The down side is that it can result in some throttle twitchiness.

If you value smoothness, I would also avoid any V-Twins like the RC51, TL1000, SV650, SV1000, etc. Good bikes, just vibrate a lot.

I've owned and ridden almost every kind of bike (except GSX-Rs - strange). My favorite for both comfort and power was my 2001 ZX-9R. The midrange on these is easily increased to mad proportions with little more than a full Muzzy exhaust and a jet kit. They are bit heavy, and therefore just a bit slower on side to side transitions. I used just a bit of brake during such transitions to speed it up a bit. The weight comes in very handy if you like to get on the throttle though because it helps keep the front wheel planted. It will wheelie if you want, and fairly easily. Gets good gas mileage too, and has a large tank so you get awesome range (~180 miles at highway speeds).

My favorite for handling and harder core riding is my current steed, a 2004 ZX-10R. Very sharp, precise, and has crazy mad power with a full exhaust and Power Commander. Be sure you are ready for such a beast - it takes finese to handle safely and isn't for the novice or faint of heart. A steering damper is highly recommended unless you a pro and really know what you are doing (read: Your technique is beyond reproach).

My thoughts on some other models mentioned:

CBR 954 - Awesome bike. Previous review was spot on. A full Akrapovic and PC really brings the motor alive if you ever want more power.

CBR F4i - A good all around steed. Comfortable, capable, and reliable. Unless you are very good and very agressive rider, has all the potential you need.

ZZR600 / 01-02 ZX-6R - Supremely comfy and super quiet. I wasn't sure it was even on! Also very capable, and good handling. Only downside IMO is that it's carbureted. Also, has headlights so bright as to cause sunburns! (ok, not really on that last part, but they are the brightest I've seen along with the same year ZX-9R)

02-03 R1 - Another very good bike. Previous reviews are spot on.

R6 - Very agile, but IMO a little buzzy (uncomfortable) and on some models the motor feels a little anemic. Damn sexy though! Gotta love Yamaha for making the 2nd best looking bike ever (next to the 916, of course!).


You really need to write for a mag or something. Your post was very informative, and kept my attention. Good job!!! :thumbup:

[eezz]

Only because you mentioned comfort I am guessing you don't want the true sport bike ergonomics so it sounds like you need to take a look at an FZ1. I think the new ones are fuel injected but don't know for sure. I'm sure that info is only a few clicks away on the internet. Don't make the mistake of selecting comfort over handling if you really want to carve it up sometimes, you'll just end up trying to sell it to get a real sporty later.

Go to the shops & sit on everything.

[Rev. Fatty Bulger]

Don't make the mistake of selecting comfort over handling if you really want to carve it up sometimes, you'll just end up trying to sell it to get a real sporty later.

That's exactly what I did.

[Xusia]

You really need to write for a mag or something. Your post was very informative, and kept my attention. Good job!!! :thumbup:

I wish!!

...Don't make the mistake of selecting comfort over handling if you really want to carve it up sometimes, you'll just end up trying to sell it to get a real sporty later...

It's been my experience that almost every sportbike - even those sold as sport touring bikes - have more potential than their riders have ability. In other words, unless you are reall bad ass rider, your limits will be defined by own skill rather than by the potential/abilities/limitations of the bike. Based on that, I respectfully disagree with eezzriderher. Unless you really need the ability of hard edged sportbike, why not be comfortable?!?

[speedracer42]

I wish!!



It's been my experience that almost every sportbike - even those sold as sport touring bikes - have more potential than their riders have ability. In other words, unless you are reall bad ass rider, your limits will be defined by own skill rather than by the potential/abilities/limitations of the bike. Based on that, I respectfully disagree with eezzriderher. Unless you really need the ability of hard edged sportbike, why not be comfortable?!?

I think I know where EZ is going with this. And if he is then I agree with him. Take a Bandit and a GSXR for example. For a low experience rider the Gix will be much easier to go fast on. It handles betters, is more stable at speed, is lighter, has better suspension, etc. The Bandit in capable hands will go very fast also, but at higher risk of a crash. All bikes become scary at the limit. The Bandit will be scarier (ie wobbly forks, tire push etc) sooner than the Gix and that is very unnerving to newer riders.

[SpeedBump]

If you value smoothness, I would also avoid any V-Twins like the RC51, TL1000, SV650, SV1000, etc. Good bikes, just vibrate a lot.
Nailed it with the RC, but my TL was actually a very comfortable cruiser. Spent many the hour on Cali's extensive highway system with little numbness to speak of.

If I was looking for a daily, non freeway commuter, for the occasional street tear, I would seriously look at one of these. Probably not your style, but thought I would throw it out there.

Suzuki DR-Z400SM
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h56/ctenney1/SuzukiDR-Z400SM.jpg